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TIME and SYLVESTER

The second part of our interview with Sylvester McCoy recalls Doctor Who’s 50th anniversary and looks forward to the future of the series.

INTERVIEW BY RICHARD ATKINSON

Sylvester McCoy is introduced to the press as the new Doctor on 2 March 1987.

On 2 March 1987, the press assembled in the Blue Peter garden outside BBC Television Centre to meet the Seventh Doctor. Sylvester McCoy posed, hanging out of the TARDIS doors, alongside his co-star, Bonnie Langford.

Thirty years on, there are now as many Doctors who have succeeded Sylvester than there had been when he took on the role. On 16 July 2017, we were introduced to the latest. In a short scene broadcast on BBC One, Jodie Whittaker pulled down her hood and revealed the first female Doctor. How is Doctor Who going to change now a woman is at the helm of the TARDIS?

“I’ve no idea!” says Sylvester. “Have to wait and see really. I’m looking forward to it with interest. She’s a good actress. A really good actress.”

Does he know much of Jodie Whittaker’s work? “Not a lot, but I’ve heard.” He sighs. “I haven’t been in Britain. For the last three months, I’ve been in my own home for about three days. I look forward to seeing it. If she’s got good writers, it’ll fly.”

But as recently as 2015, Sylvester told the tabloid press that he “wasn’t convinced by the cultural need for a female Doctor Who”.

“I do admit that,” says Sylvester. “I thought that. It’s kind of weird, because I am still the Doctor. I do [audio dramas for] Big Finish. I am Doctor Who and it’s like, ‘Oh God, am I having a sex change?’ It’s kind of weird from a personal point of view. But when it was announced, I thought, ‘Oh, to hell with it – this is adventurous, this is new. Let’s see what happens.’”

Two of his fellow Doctors have also weighed in on this issue. Sixth Doctor Colin Baker has been an unapologetic advocate of our new Doctor, whereas Fifth Doctor Peter Davison has defended fans who are unsure. Peter’s also commented that a male Doctor is a good role model for boys. Does Sylvester agree that the Doctor is a better role model for boys than most male heroes?

About Doctor Who Magazine

THE TENTH DOCTOR AND ROSE ARE BACK! ISSUE 518 OF DOCTOR WHO MAGAZINE CHATS EXCLUSIVELY TO DAVID TENNANT AND BILLIE PIPER
Over a decade on from their time together in the TARDIS, David Tennant and Billie Piper are back for a series of Doctor Who audio adventures featuring the Tenth Doctor and Rose...
“An audio recording’s very different to filming a bit of TV – but the vibe is the same, and the characters are the same.” (David Tennant)
“It’s like when you hang out with an old friend who you haven’t seen for years, and then loads of stuff has happened between you, but it’s sort of just like you’re immediately there again. I love it.” (Billie Piper)
ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE…
MATT LUCAS
We talk to Matt Lucas about his new autobiography, which he wrote while playing Nardole in the latest series of Doctor Who.
CAMILLE CODURI
Camille Coduri, who played Jackie Tyler, tells us what it’s like to be reunited with David Tennant and Billie Piper for more Doctor Who audio adventures.
SYLVESTER McCOY
In the second part of our interview, Seventh Doctor Sylvester McCoy reflects on Doctor Who’s 50th anniversary and looks forward to the show’s future.
WHITE WITCH OF DEVIL’S END
We meet the people behind a DVD sequel to the classic 1971 story The Dæmons.
BOX OF DELIGHTS
An interview with Paul Foden, the fan whose home-made TARDIS recently appeared on Channel 4’s Amazing Spaces: Shed of the Year.
MATILDUS
A brand-new comic strip adventure for the Doctor and Bill in Matildus, written and illustrated by Scott Gray.
THE TIME TEAM
The Time Team continues its mission to watch every episode of Doctor Who with 2011’s The Rebel Flesh.
PLUS...
Previews, book and audio reviews, news, the Watcher’s column, prize-winning competitions and much, much more!